Gutter and Siding Protection Device and System

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new gutter-mounted protection system for use in the construction, remodeling and renovating fields, and more particularly, to a device, system, and method for protecting a gutter, siding or landscape from damage during construction activities. The invention may also be used to temporarily create an area protected from weather.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/888,199, filed Feb. 5,2007. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new gutter-mounted protection systemfor use in the construction, remodeling and renovating fields, and moreparticularly, to a device, system, and method for protecting a gutter,siding or landscape from damage during construction activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gutters are roughly U-shaped troughs, open at their upper-most end, thatare affixed under the lower most edges of a roof of a building andextend along the roofline to collect water that runs off of the roof.Gutters are typically formed of metal or plastic and are anchored to theeaves of the structure by metal spikes or various gutter hangers knownin the art. The gutters are sloped slightly to direct the water into aconnected down spout that in turn directs the water to a desired spillway or drainage area that drains the water away from the building'sfoundation.

The use of shields for gutters or eaves troughs that are designed topermit passage of rainwater into the gutter while preventing extraneousforeign matter, such as leaves, debris and the like, from entering andaccumulating at bottle neck points along the guttering system, (such asaround the spikes or hangers, at the drop outlets to the down spouts, atbends in the gutters and/or down spouts, etc) is well known in the art.Debris accumulation can prevent the guttering system from properlydraining water. Gutter shields known in the art (also called guards)typically extend from the roofline of a house to the outside rim of thegutters and include either holes or a trough to allow water to flow intothe gutters while preventing debris from doing the same. Other knowngutter shields include a sheet of metal that covers the gutter, and hasa curved forward end that extends back into the gutter. Thus, leaves andthe like are prevented from entering the gutter, but because of surfacetension, water flows along the forward curvature of the guard and fallsthrough small openings thereat into the gutter, where the water iscarried away to the down spout.

These systems are designed to remain on the building and work with thegutter system to direct rainfall, but not environmental debris such asplant material, into the gutter. However, there does not currently exista gutter protection system to protect the gutter, and potentiallybuilding siding and landscape plants, from physical damage duringconstruction activities such as roofing or re-roofing. Gutters andlandscape plants are prone to being damaged during re-roofingactivities, especially from roofing material falling or being thrownfrom the roof. For this reason, it is not uncommon for gutters to bereplaced when the shingles on a roof are replaced. A temporary systemthat protects the gutter, siding, and landscape plants duringconstruction activities would provide an economic benefit to thebuilding owner and the contractor by limiting damage to the gutter,siding, and landscape plants. In addition to a cost benefit realized byreduced replacement or repair costs, the described system further aidsin cleanup of a job site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, a gutter and siding protection system isdescribed that protects the gutters and siding of a structure duringconstruction activities. The described gutter protection system providesa protective barrier to the gutters during roofing removal andinstallation of new roofing materials. By protecting the gutters usingthe described system, the likelihood of gutter damage due to fallingdebris is lessened or eliminated. With the gutter protection system inplace, debris is able to slide over and off the gutters. Further,because debris is limited from falling into the gutter, there is reducedneed to clean out the gutters at the end of the roofing process. Byreducing incidental damage to gutters during roofing or re-roofingactivity, an economic benefit is gained by the contractor and thestructure owner.

In a preferred embodiment is described a gutter protection plate, or topplate. The gutter protection plate, or top plate, comprises: a top panelor planar member for covering the gutter trough, a means for temporarilysecuring the panel to a gutter, and optionally, a means for hanging acurtain. The width of the top panel is sized to cover the gutter troughand inhibit falling material from entering, directly hitting, ordamaging the gutter. The top panel can be flat, concave, or convex. Thetop panel can be perforated, porous or non-porous. The top panel canalso be smooth, or ribbed. In a preferred embodiment, the top panel isnon-porous, non-perforated and smooth. In a preferred embodiment, thetop panel is secured to a gutter by means of a channel or clip whichfits over the front wall or lip of the gutter. The channel or clip canfit loosely over the front wall or lip of a gutter or it may be apressure fit; e.g. it may “snap” onto the front wall or lip of a gutter.In another embodiment, the top panel is secured to a gutter by means ofa one or more clips which fit brackets that affix the gutter to thestructure.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a siding andlandscape protection system. The gutter protection system comprises atop plate to which a curtain can be suspended. The curtain can be anyplastic or cloth sheet material such as a tarp. With the protectivecurtain in place, the system protects the siding of the structure andlandscape plants. The curtain is suspended from the top plate and canextend to the ground. The curtain may further be secured to the ground.The curtain keeps falling debris away from the house and away fromplanting beds and further aids in cleanup. The curtain can suspendfreely from the top plate or the curtain can secured. A curtain can besecured to the ground, to a scaffolding, or such that the curtain coversand therefore protects a landscape object such as a plant.

In a preferred embodiment, the gutter and siding protection system canprovide a barrier to facilitate exterior work, such as siding or windowreplacement during inclement weather. With the curtain in place, an areaunder the roof overhang of the structure is shielded from the weather.The curtain can be secured to the ground or around scaffolding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Illustration of a cross-section across the width of oneembodiment of a gutter protection system top plate comprising a toppanel 1 means for covering the gutter, a T slot 2 means for handing acurtain, and an inverted U channel 3 means for securing the top plate tothe gutter.

FIG. 2. Illustration of a cross-section across the width of oneembodiment of a top plate with dimensions suitable for installation ofthe top plate on a typical gutter.

FIG. 3 Illustration of a perspective view of a short section of oneembodiment of a top plate. The top plate can be manufactured or cut intovarious lengths L.

FIG. 4. Illustration of a cross-section of an alternative embodiment ofa top plate.

FIG. 5. Illustration of various top plate shapes: A) flat, B) convex,and C) concave.

FIG. 6. Illustration of various top plate edge designs: A) flush (shownwith hook curtain attachment means), B) linear (shown with hook curtainattachment means), C) square (shown with T-slot curtain attachmentmeans, T-bracket shown in dotted lines), and D) rounded (shown with snapcurtain attachment means).

FIG. 7. Illustration of various curtain hanging means on a perspectiveview of one embodiment of a top plate: B) snap, C) hook, and D) hook andloop (VELCRO®).

FIG. 8. Illustration of one embodiment of a T-shaped bracket, front andside view.

FIG. 9. Illustration of a cross-section of a top plate juxtaposed with acurtain hanging bracket. The illustration shows that the bracket isdesigned to fit into the T-slot of the top plate.

FIG. 10. Illustration of three embodiments of a T-shaped curtain hangingbracket (A) loop T bracket, (B) hook T bracket, and (C) snap T bracket.

FIG. 11. Perspective illustration of gutter and siding protection systemin place. The illustration shows: the gutter G, top plate P, andsuspended curtain C. The top plate is positioned on top of the gutter.The curtain is suspended from the top plate thus creating a protectedarea A behind curtain C.

FIG. 12. Illustration of an embodiment of the top plate designed tocover “high back” gutters.

FIG. 13. Illustration of two different embodiments of the gutterprotection system top plate installed on gutters. The gutters areconnected to the structure by two different connection methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described gutter and siding protection system comprises: a top platethat is positioned atop an existing gutter and a means to suspend acurtain from the top plate. A typical gutter consists of a rear wall, afront wall which typically has a lip, and a bottom wall, thereby forminga trough. The rear wall is positioned against the structure, such as ahouse, and the front wall set apart, opposite to rear wall. The gutteris typically affixed to a structure with a plurality of mountingbrackets. Gutters can be connected to a building with a gutter hanger,hidden hanger, nail, or other means known in the art.

The gutter and siding protection system of the present inventionprovides a guard that covers a gutter and gutter trough to prevent orlimit construction debris from entering, striking, or damaging thegutter. A first component of the gutter and siding protection systemcomprises a top plate that can be temporarily, and without fastenersthat alter the gutter or structure, positioned onto a gutter to protectthe gutter from damage during roof removal, construction or repair. Thetop plate comprises a planar surface that extends transversely acrossthe width of the trough of the gutter, from or near the roof edge to theoutside edge of the gutter, and preferably extends beyond the outsideedge of the gutter. The top plate extends longitudinally along thelength of the gutter, thereby covering the gutter and protecting thegutter from damage due to dropped or falling objects, including objectssliding downward along the plane of the roof.

The top plate is formed to positionally fit above the trough of thegutter such that the plate extends in its first direction across thewidth of the trough and in its second direction along the length of thegutter. The top plate further comprises a securing means, such as aseating bracket or channel, which fits over the lip of the gutter andsecures the top plate to the gutter, and optionally a curtain hangingmeans by which to suspend a protective curtain. For a top plate whichcontains a curtain hanging means, the width of the top plate is extendedto include the width required for the curtain hanging means. Preferably,the top surface of the top plate is smooth and without perforations toallow objects contacting the plate to slide over and off the edge of theplate. However, the top surface can be ribbed to provide additionalrigidity to the plate. For ribbed top plates in which the ribs are ontope of the plate when it is positioned on a gutter, the ribs preferablyrun perpendicular to the length of the top plate. For ribs on theunderneath surface of the top plate, the ribs may run perpendicular orparallel to the length of the top plate. The top surface can be flat,concave, or convex. Preferably, the top panel is shaped such that debrisfalling on or over the top plate readily slides over the plate and offthe roof and gutter.

The width of the top plate is sized to fit over and cover the gutterwhen the gutter is attached to a structure. In one embodiment, the widthof the top plate is about 5 to about 6 inches and preferably about 5.625inches. However, this width can vary to fit a given gutter size orapplication. The width of the top plate is further sized such that whenthe securing means is positioned on the lip of a gutter front wall, thetop plate covers or mostly covers the gutter trough. In one embodiment,the width from one edge, to an outer wall of an inverted U-shapedchannel (item 3 in FIG. 1) is about 4.625 inches (FIG. 2). However, thiswidth can vary to fit a given gutter size or application. In oneembodiment, the depth of the top plate can be about 0.5 to about 1.5inches, with about 0.75 to about 1.0 inches being preferred (FIG. 2).The length of the top plate L (FIG. 3) can be any length from about 1foot to about 50 feet or more. A preferred length is about 3 feet toabout 8 feet. A more preferred length is about 5 feet to about 6 feet.The measurements in FIG. 2 and FIG. 12 are provided as one embodimentonly. The invention is not limited to these measurements. While manygutters are manufactured in common or standard sizes, gutters ofdifferent dimensions and shapes exist. Dimensions of different guttersmay be obtained from gutter equipment manufacturers or by measurement ofexisting gutters. By knowing the dimensions of a particular gutter, oneskilled in the art can readily fashion a protective system top plateappropriate for the given gutter using the information provided herein.

The top plate can be provided in sections of any desired length.Preferably about 1 to about 12 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 orfractions thereof) feet in length. More preferably about 3 to about 6feet in length and most preferably about 5 feet in length. Multiple topplates can be used in combination to extend along the length of thegutter.

In one embodiment, the top plate can further be designed such that thewidth or length is adjustable. By way of example, for adjustable widthtop plates, the top plate can be made such that the gutter securingmeans can be positioned at different positions at various distances froma longitudinal edge of the plate. The top plate can also be composed oftwo or more lengthwise components which adjustably overlap each othersuch that decreasing the amount of overlap increases the width of thetop plate and increasing the amount of overlap decreases the width ofthe top plate. Similarly, a variable length top plate can be composed oftwo or more components parts that adjustably overlap each other suchthat decreasing the amount of overlap increases the length of the topplate and increasing the amount of overlap decreases the length of thetop plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the design of the top plate allows it to betemporarily seated on top of the gutter without the need for customizedparts and without fastening or physically connecting it to the gutter orthe structure with screws, bolts, or nails, i.e., without physicallyaltering the gutter or structure. As used herein, temporary, ortemporarily, means for the duration of an activity, such a constructionactivity, including roofing or re-roofing. A securing means is thusprovided to engage the gutter and secure to top plate in place andprevent substantial movement of the plate. For example, a securing meansmay include an inverted U-shaped channel located on the underside of thetop plate, and running parallel to the length of the top plate, that issized to fit over a front wall of a gutter (the gutter lip or rim). Inone embodiment, an inverted U-shaped channel section (see FIGS. 1 and 2)is formed by a front or outer vertically oriented wall (a in FIG. 1), anupper horizontally oriented wall (b in FIG. 1) and a rearward or innervertically oriented wall (c in FIG. 1). The width of the channel,dimension b, is sized such that the front wall of the gutter or gutterlip fits into the channel. A closer fit can provide a more secureattachment of the top plate to the gutter. The channel can be square,trapezoidal, or curved to fit a particular style and shape of gutterlip. The inverted U-shaped channel can have perpendicular verticalwalls, or it may have one or more angled vertical walls, with the wallpreferably being angled in towards the center of the inverted U-shapedchannel. An angled wall can aid in keeping the top plate secure. Theangled wall can also provide for the channel “snapping” to the gutter.Further, the walls of the channel can be flat or curved. An invertedU-shaped channel can have continuous vertical walls or discontinuousvertical walls. In one embodiment, the front vertical wall (item a inFIG. 2) is continuous. A discontinuous inner vertical wall mayfacilitate mounting of the top plate over brackets that secure thegutter to the structure. The securing means may be formed integral tothe top plate or it may be a separate piece that is permanently orreversibly connected to the top plate. Although customized clips,brackets or hangers are not required to install the top plate, suchdevices may be used. Clips, brackets or other hangers in the art thatfunction to secure the top plate to the gutter without the need forfasteners that alter the gutter or structure (such as by screws, bolts,or nails) may also be used as gutter securing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the top plate further comprises a means forhanging a fabric or plastic protective curtain such as a canvas, tarp ordrop cloth, i.e., a curtain hanging means. The curtain hanging meansallows a curtain to be suspended from the top plate, over the outsideedge (front wall) of the gutter, and extend downward towards the ground.Thus, the curtain hanging means is located longitudinally along one edgeof the top plate (both edges for symmetrical top plates) to the outsideof the gutter securing means. The curtain can be attached, mounted,connected, and/or secured to gutter plate by any known attachment meansincluding, but not limited to: T-slot with T hook, inverted J-channelwith J hook, screw, hook and loop fastener (e.g. VELCRO®), buckle,latch, force fit, snap fit, button, zipper, and magnet. The top plateand curtain hanging means may be integrally formed in a single piece orfashioned from independent pieces which may be permanently or reversiblyconnected. In a preferred embodiment, the hanging means allows thecurtain to be readily hung or removed from the top plate. The hangingmeans can also provide for the curtain to be slid along the top plate,i.e. be “opened” or “closed”. A curtain hanging means which utilizesbearings may be used to facilitate opening and closing of the curtain.Preferably, the hanging means provides for the curtain to be suspendedfrom underneath the outside edge of the top plate to reduce thelikelihood of falling debris catching on the curtain.

In a preferred embodiment, a described hanging bracket, T bracket, (FIG.8) and corresponding top plate bracket holding channel, T-slot, is used(item 2 in FIG. 1, see also FIG. 9). One embodiment of a hanging bracketcomprises: a first top hook, a first shaft section, a bottom loop, asecond shaft section that runs roughly parallel and next to the firstshank section, and a second top hook parallel to the first top hook andfacing the opposite direction. Alternatively, instead of a bottom hook,the hanging bracket can comprise a snap, magnet, hook and loop(VELCRO®), hook, or other connecting device. The hanging bracket can bemade from any suitable material, including, but not limited to: metal,galvanized metal, plastic, and ceramic. The curtain can be connected tothe described T bracket by inserting a hook into a hole or grommet inthe curtain, and sliding the curtain over a shank such that the grommetrests in the bottom loop of the described hook. Alternatively, othermeans of fastening the curtain to the hanging bracket may be used. Forexample, a) a snap section on the curtain can be snapped into acorresponding snap section on the hanging bracket, b) a hole or grommeton the curtain can be hung on a hook on the hanging bracket, or c) thecurtain and hanging bracket can contain complementary components of ahook and loop attachment system (VELCRO®). The described hanging bracketis compatible with standard tarps produced by many manufacturers. Thedescribed T-bracket is readily inserted into the grommets present intypical tarps. By using a loop between two arms of the T-bracket, thetarp is unable to be dislodged from the bracket when the bracket is inplace in the top plate T slot. The T-bracket can be slid along theT-slot, enabling the curtain to be “opened” and “closed.”

It is understood that other connectors and fasteners of various designsand configurations including mechanical connectors can be utilized.Other configurations of a gutter securing means and curtain hangingmeans for the top plate are readily recognized. For examples, the topplate can have a row of hooks, magnets or snaps, or a zipper. Hooks comein a variety of shape and sizes that are readily compatible with thedescribed gutter protection system. Any means known in the art forsuspending a curtain from a horizontal bar, such as the described topplate, are considered to be within the scope of the invention. In apreferred embodiment, the hanging means is compatible with tarps sold bydifferent manufacturers and readily available for purchase.

A curtain hanging bracket can a permanent component of the gutterprotection system top plate or the hanging bracket can be removable fromthe top plate. The hanging bracket can also be a permanent component ofthe curtain or the hanging bracket can be removable from the curtain.

The top plate of the present invention is preferably formed of a plasticmaterial, such a PVC, CPVC, or RPVC. PVC, PVC-like materials, and otherrigid or semi-rigid plastics are preferred for their light weight andmild flexibility. However, it will be understood that other materialsmay be used and indeed, the gutter guard may be formed by a combinationof materials. The top plate and hanging brackets can be manufacturedfrom a variety of rigid or semi-rigid preferably weather resistantmaterials selected from the list comprising: plastic, polymers, PVC,CPVC, RPVC metal, galvanized metal, aluminum, and enamel coated metal.In a preferred embodiment, a section of top plate is formed from asingle solid piece. The use of a semi-rigid material, such as PVC,allows the top plate to absorb certain impacts without denting.

In a preferred embodiment, the top plate can be symmetrical about acenter axis (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Thus, the top plate wouldcontain a curtain hanging means along each edge and a gutter securingmeans inside each hanging means. In one embodiment, the top plate issymmetrical across its width, containing two inverted U-shaped channelsand two curtain hanging T-slots (se FIG. 1, 2, 4). By having asymmetrical top plate, the top plate can be placed in either length-wiseorientation on a gutter. This arrangement makes placing the top platesimpler, and extends the life of the top plate by providing twofunctional placement orientations.

In another embodiment, the top plate is not symmetrical and contains asingle gutter securing means, and option curtain hanging means, alongone longitudinal edge. This embodiment is more readily compatible withattachment to gutters referred to in the art as “high-back” gutters.“High-back” gutters consist of a built in gutter apron nailed to thelower roof and roof straps that are attached to the front of the gutterand nailed on top of a built-in gutter apron. For these and othergutters which are attached to a structure by means of a strap thatextends from the gutter to over the top of a gutter apron, thenon-symmetrical top plate is preferred (FIG. 12). The greater width, andthinner back edge, allow the gutter to be placed on a gutter as shown inFIG. 13. with the back edge extending onto the bottom edge of theroof-line, either over or preferable under the bottom shingle, over thegutter apron.

The top plate can have an end cut at an angle (mitered) to allow forplacement on inside as well as outside corners. Top plates can beprovided with one or more different angled ends.

Alternatively, the end user can cut the top plate to a desired angle.For symmetrical top plates, symmetry allows a single mitered top plateto be used for either an inside or outside corner.

Preferable, the gutter protection system is installed prior to roofconstruction activity and removed when the activity is finished. Acurtain suspended from the top plate can protect siding and landscapingfrom damage. The curtain can also create an area between the structureand the curtain that is protected from the environment. With the curtainin place, an area under the roof overhang of the structure can beshielded from the weather. Used in this manner, the system can be usefulfor siding and window replacement activities. The curtain can be allowedto simply hang from the top plate, the lower edge of the curtain can besecured to the ground or the curtain can be placed around scaffolding.The curtain can also be positioned and optionally secured aroundlandscape features including, but not limited to, plants, fountains, andother valuable objects near or under the roof overhand of the structure,thereby providing protection to those features.

Certain embodiments of the gutter protection system of the presentinvention can be adapted for use in association with any type of guttersystem.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and thatvarious changes and modifications can be effected therein by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention defined by the appended claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Describing FIGS. 1-3 and 13

One embodiment of a gutter protection plate is illustrated in FIG. 1. Inthis embodiment, the top plate comprises a top panel 1, a guttersecuring means 2, and a curtain hanging means 3 (with T-shaped hangingbracket shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 9). Exemplary dimensions are shown inFIG. 2. The width of the top plate is sized to cover the gutter (guttertrough and gutter front wall and lip) when the gutter is mounted on astructure. The width of the top plate is further sized such that whenthe securing means, such as an inverted U-shaped channel 3, ispositioned on the lip of a gutter front wall, the top plate covers ormostly covers the gutter trough. In one embodiment, the top surface ofthe top panel 1 is flat and smooth. A smooth top surface more easilyallows debris to slide over or off the top plate. If ridges are addedfor strength, they are preferable aligned perpendicular to the length ofthe top plate (perpendicular to the roof line or gutter line when thetop plate is installed). The top plate can be made in various lengths L(FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the gutter securing means comprises an invertedU-shaped channel 3. The inverted U-shaped channel is sized to fit overthe lip of a gutter front wall. The inverted U-shaped channel is sizedand shaped to provide a means for securing the top plate to the gutterwithout the need for additional fasteners. This design also allows thetop plate to be installed and removed quickly and easily without toolsand without altering the structure or gutter. The inner wall c of theinverted U-shaped channel can be angled in towards the channel 3. Apreferred angle θ is about 85° although other angles are permissible.The angled inner wall c provides for improved stability of the top plateto the gutter. An angle wall can also provide for a pressure fit to thegutter, allowing the plate to be “snapped” in place.

The optional curtain hanging means (shown as a T-slot 2 in FIG. 1)provides a mechanism by which to suspend a curtain, such as a tarp. Thecurtain hanging means is positioned outside the gutter securing means.This configuration provides for suspending a curtain from the top platesuch that the curtain hangs to the outside of the front gutter walltowards the ground (FIG. 11)

In one embodiment, the T-slot 2 is designed to work with a T-shapedcurtain hanging bracket (one embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 6Cand 9). The T-slot with accompanying curtain hanging bracket is oneexample of a curtain hanging means.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate symmetrical top plates, with gutter securing meansand curtain hanging means running the length of each longitudinal edgeof the top plate.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 illustrate asymmetrical top plates, with guttersecuring means and with or without curtain hanging means.

FIG. 13 illustrates the placement of a symmetrical or asymmetrical topplate positioned on a gutter.

Example 2 Describing FIGS. 4-7

Various top plate shapes within the scope of the invention are readilyenvisioned. FIG. 4 illustrates and alternative embodiment of the bracketdescribed in example 1. In this embodiment, the inside and outside edgesof the top plate are rounded and a central section is made from thicker,solid material. The top plate illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 issymmetrical.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the top plate can be flat A, convex B, orconcave C. The figure shows a cross-section of the top plate. The degreeof curvature or particular slope is not limited to that shown in theFIG. 5. Each of the top plates shown in FIG. 5 contains an outside edgeoverhang, but not a curtain hanging means, beyond the inverted U-shapedchannel gutter securing means. However, the invention is not limited tothe presence or absence, or shape or size of an overhang. The top platesshown in FIG. 5 further illustrate non-symmetrical top plates, withsingled inverted U-shaped channels for securing the top plate to thegutter.

A number of means by which to suspend a curtain from the top plate arecompatible with the invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a hook,with A or without B an overhang, a T-slot with corresponding T-shapedhanging bracket C, or a snap D to attach a curtain to the top plate.FIG. 6 further illustrates that a variety of longitudinal edge shapesare compatible with the invention. The top plate can have no overhang(flush edge) A, a simple linear overhang B, a square overhang whichincorporated a T slot means for hanging a curtain C, or a curved orrounded overhang D. The invention is not limited to the presence orabsence, or shape or size of an overhang.

Further curtain hanging means are illustrated in FIG. 7. Perspectiveviews of non-symmetrical top plates with snaps A, simple hooks B, orhook and loop fastener C are shown. The spacing of hooks or snaps can bemade to correspond to grommets or snaps in readily available tarps.

Alternatively, a curtain can be manufactured specifically for the topplate. In yet another embodiment, the top plate can have snaps, hooks,or other fasteners with are adjustably spaced. For instance, snap orhooks can be made to slide along the edge of the top plate.

Example 3 T-shaped Curtain Hanging Means FIGS. 8-10

In one embodiment, a T-shaped curtain hanging bracket (FIG. 8) comprisesa first top hook a, a first shaft section b that connects the first hooka to a loop section c, and a second shaft section d that connects theloop section c to a second hook e. The first shaft section b runsroughly parallel to the second shaft second d. The hooks a, e are sizedto enable them to be inserted into a T-slot of the top plate. Thebracket is inserted into the T-slot with the hooks running parallel tothe slot, the bracket is then twisted about 90°. The T-shaped bracket isthen lowered such that the hooks engage the inner, vertically orientedwalls of the T-slot. See FIG. 9.

A T-shaped bracket can have a number of configurations that arecompatible with the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 10. For instance,the T-shaped bracket can have a loop A, hook, B, or snap C.

Example 4

Suspending a curtain from the top Plate creates a protected areaunderneath a roof overhang (FIG. 11) The curtain can be used to protectlandscape objects from damage during roofing activities. Alternatively,the curtain can be used to create an area that is at least partiallyprotected from the weather. This embodiment is particularly usefulduring siding or window installation or repair. Thus, the gutter andsiding protection system is useful for construction activities other theroofing tear-off, repair, or installation,

1. A gutter protection system comprising: a top panel sized to extendtransversely across the width of a trough of a gutter and longitudinallyalong a length of the gutter thereby covering or mostly covering alength of the gutter trough and a gutter securing means for temporarilysecuring the top panel to the gutter.
 2. The gutter protection system ofclaim 1 wherein the top panel in non-porous.
 3. The gutter protectionsystem of claim 1 wherein the top panel extends transversely beyond theoutside edge of the gutter.
 4. The gutter protection system of claim 1wherein the top panel is flat, concave, or convex along the transverseaxis.
 5. The gutter protection system of claim 1 wherein the guttersecuring means comprises an inverted U-shaped channel located on theunderside of the top panel, running parallel to the length of the toppanel, and sized to fit over a front lip of the gutter.
 6. The gutterprotection system of claim 5 wherein inverted U-shaped channel containsat least one angled vertical walls, wherein the angled wall is angled intowards the center of the inverted U-shaped channel.
 7. The gutterprotection system of claim 6 wherein the angle formed by the angled walland the top surface is about 85°.
 8. The gutter protection system ofclaim 5 wherein the inverted U-shaped channel is formed integral to thetop panel.
 9. The gutter protection system of claim 1 wherein the gutterprotection system further comprises a curtain hanging means.
 10. Thegutter protection system of claim 9 wherein said curtain hanging meansis positioned parallel to an outside edge of the top panel.
 11. Thegutter protection system of claim 10 wherein said curtain hanging meansis selected from the group consisting of: hook, snap, hook-and-loopfastener, magnet, latch, inverted J-slot with J-hook, and T-slot withT-hook.
 12. The gutter protection system of claim 12 further comprisinga curtain that is suspended from the curtain hanging means.
 13. Thegutter protection system of claim 11 wherein said gutter protectionsystem is symmetrical contains a curtain hanging means and a guttersecuring means running parallel to and positioned inside each curtainhanging means
 14. The gutter protection system of claim 13 wherein thewidth of the to panel is about five to about six inches.
 15. The gutterprotection system of claim 11 wherein said gutter protection systemcontains single curtain hanging means and a gutter securing meansrunning parallel to and positioned inside the curtain hanging means. 16.The gutter protection system of claim 15 wherein the width of the topanel is about 6.5 to about 7 inches.
 17. The gutter protection systemof claim 1 wherein length of the top panel is about 3 to about 12 feet.18. The gutter protection system of claim 1 wherein the top plate,gutter securing means, and optionally a curtain hanging means, areformed from a single piece or rigid or semrigid material selected fromthe group consisting of: plastic, extruded polymer, PVC, CPVC, RPVC,metal, galvanized metal, aluminum, and enamel coated metal.
 19. A methodfor protecting a gutter during roofing activity comprising: installingthe gutter protection system of claim 1 onto the gutter of thestructure.
 20. The method for protecting a gutter, siding, or landscapefeatures of a structure comprising: installing the gutter protectionsystem of claim 9 onto the gutter and suspending a curtain from thegutter protection system such that the landscape features to beprotected are located between the curtain and the structure.